Roudhah Al Mazrouei, born in Al Ain in 2003, is an Abu Dhabi-based visual artist deeply connected to the Emirati nomadic lifestyle. Her canvases resonate with the profound bond between land, language, and resourcefulness. Beyond mere representation, Roudhah's art unveils layers of emotion and dream-inspired narratives.

 

Although primarily working with oil, her technique encompasses creating an ambience in her body of work that invites viewers to embark on a journey both within the artwork and within themselves. Her artistic journey is marked by her significant contributions to renowned projects such as the 2021 ADA Pavilion, her esteemed accomplishment as the recipient of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award in 2022, and her interactive sculptures at COP 28 and Sikka Art Fair 2024. These achievements underscore her dedication to crafting public art that is not only visually captivating but also rich in meaning. 

Beyond her artistic creations, Roudhah's zeal for nurturing future talent shines through her active involvement in educational initiatives. Her contribution to 421 and her role in the Arts Proxy Program at NYUAD demonstrates her commitment to fostering artistic growth and academia. She has completed her BA in Visual Arts and Art History at New York University Abu Dhabi and is now pursuing her MFA at the Royal College of Art.

​

​

 

Artist Statement:

​

Through my work, I weave a confluence of tradition and modernity, crafting a narrative that both venerates and reinvents the cultural and ecological ecosystems of the UAE. My medium of choice - the rocks from the Hajar Mountains, specifically those from my mother’s village, Siji, and the naturally produced charcoal Sikham - transcends mere aesthetics. It is a conscious immersion into the tangible and historical essence of my subjects. 

​

My art dwells in the realms of identity, memory, and heritage, with a distinct focus on the Siji region. Through my oeuvre of paintings and sculptures, I strive not merely to capture the visual splendour of this landscape but to distil the very soul of its inhabitants – epitomized by their adaptability and profound symbiosis with the earth. My approach is to surrealistically transfigure these elements, engaging with them in a manner that metaphorically mirrors the fluidity and resilience intrinsic to the nomadic way of life. Thus, my creations become more than visual spectacles; they are narratives woven from the threads of resilience, communal unity, and extraordinary resourcefulness that form the bedrock of our Bedouin lineage.

​

Simultaneously, my work challenges and deconstructs the stereotypes associated with arid terrains. In juxtaposing the verdant valleys against the stark majesty of the mountains, I pay homage to the ecological diversity of the region and salute the ingenious survival instincts of our ancestors, whether it be from the coast, desert or mountains. This interplay of contrasts is not just a visual journey but a provocative statement on the resilience and versatility inherent in our natural and cultural landscapes.